Introduction to New Friends 2026

 Welcome to my new friends!                         It's so good to have you stop by!

First thing I'm always asked: "why do you go by so many names?"
Let me explain. Several years ago, I began using the nickname "Debi" by adding "i" (internet) to my childhood initials. 
But as a child, I preferred "Doe" because my entire family referred to me only by this shortened meaning of my biblical name. Actually, I like all my names because each has a story behind it given to me that I treasure. Yes, even my very newest one - "debi-doe".
So, with all that in an introduction, I'm happy to call you "friend." It's been quite fun to begin a new chapter of life in a new home & whole new circle of friends. As many know, and I'm sure you're learning, I'll answer to any of these shortened forms of my birth name.

I began this blog in 2014. In reviewing this page as a repost, I'm quite surprised that although my surroundings have changed, my favorite things have remained strongly in place, displaying the loves I've chosen to surround my home & family. 
Looking back, I've loved being enriched with so many sweet friendships & fellowship times. Many of these conversations have continued, whether in person, in text, on phone, or email. The occasional snail-mail card brings of smile of yester-year when I waited for days or weeks to hear from those I loved. As a side note, please, add more than just your name to those seasonal cards - I wonder about what's been happening in the past year when I open your envelopes!
As I type this post, my heart longs to be in person. I know we'd become better acquainted with laughter & stories. I also know with certainty that we'd talk about our walk with Jesus, Savior Lord of our lives, and we'd encourage each other.
Since you popped in here, let me help you know some of my habits, interests and tidbits of those who hold my heart closely.
First, I'd instinctively invite you in for a cup of hot tea in one of my many teacups, but I'm learning in this hotter climate, that many prefer their sweet tea poured over ice. I'd invite you onto my lanai, a screened in back-yard & pool area. As we settle onto comfortable gliders, I'd probably offer you some English shortbread or Malaysian "digestive biscuits" from my international excursions. 
As we munch on the sweets, our conversation would begin with "what's been going on in your life?" because I love to hear all the details of my friends' happenings. Actually, I'd apologize for the seemingly interrogation, realizing I'm asking too many questions! 
My most important interest would be how you're growing in grace & knowledge of my dearest friend, Jesus Christ. 

As we visit, I'd tell of our travels to visit my daughters' families in Indonesia, Malaysia, TN, TX, busy NYC, and now, even in Wales. My children invite us to visit their homes in the most beautiful, interesting adventurous places. We fell in love with the warm climate tropical islands with sights of vast turquoise waters outlined by foamy waves on ocean beaches. We all still longingly mention these beautiful sights as we sit in the hot dusty sun of Texas. 
Our second daughter began her family in the hills of TN, moved to a city of tall skyscrapers, aged with historical architecture. We meandered through the bustling throngs of people rushing to & from their destinies! Lately, we've enjoyed other more peaceful sights of rolling hills, castles, and small shops huddled along older village streets.
Each adventure the Lord gave us through our girls' choices have blessed us over and over. 
It seems now that our favorite memories are being built around performances and activities of our grandchildren. Our family times around meal tables continue to be full of healthy laughter as we listen to tales of their daily adventures with friends. 
For sure, my journal would be nearby & upon glancing through the pages you'd enjoy my doodled edges & colorful notes. Mostly, I record my dabbled art attempts as I study to understand Scriptures. These doodles often extend into card making and even are added to my collected scrapbook treasures. 
I'd show you all my paper crafting tools and how much fun it is to make Christmas tags and seasonal greeting cards. I might even show samples of all the cards I've given sweet shut-ins to help them have cards to send their loved ones. One of my favorite things to do is venture away from my quiet home to fill some beautiful homebound saint's lonely hours with a visit.

To continue our afternoon, we'd probably wander into my hobby room where I could share my love for sewing, quilting, embroidery and cross stitching.
You would see all the bins, organized by project, lining the closet floor. We'd laugh at my far-fetched hopes to complete all the projects piling up more than a lifetime of created quilts.
Most likely, you'd know there's no need for me to shop for fabrics!

You'd chuckle as you remember my favorite Scripture passage brought into our conversation. You know I would have to mention becoming a follower of Jesus Christ was the most important decision in my life. Malachi 3:16-18 "Those who feared the Lord spoke to each other & the Lord listened to what they said. In His Presence a scroll of remembrance (journal) was written to record the name of those who feared Him and always thought about the honor of His Name.  "They will be Mine!"... declares the Sovereign Lord!"
I look forward to that shout from heaven! I'm most thankful for Christ's sacrificial death to bring me to God. I definitely love to proclaim His Grace and share His friendship often with those who visit with me. My deepest desire is for each of my loved ones to be reconciled to God through Christ & that whenever we're together, we all would be learning from each other how to be better at following Him.
Because I know I walk within my King's covenantal Presence, each day is an adventure as He works all things for my good.
As we talk, you'd probably notice my eyes often gaze toward the eastern clouds, wondering when He will call His friends to join Him in the clouds.  
But until we hear His shout, please continue to enjoy reading my journal posts as I slowly trek spiritually with the promised Holy Spirit & His Guidebook. I not only write here on Climb vertical with me, but I also have a Facebook group Worthy Workout for devotional thoughts.
Sadly, my quilting blog has been quiet since I moved to this warmer climate because I enjoy the luxury of spending most of my afternoons outside, floating in the pool & soaking in the warmth of the sun! 
 May these posts encourage your journey with the Lord as you fix your eyes on Jesus. Remember, have confidence because, although we dimly see now, His face becomes more and more reflected for others to see His grace as we live just like Jesus in this world. 1 John 4:17         

What a Holy, Awe-inspiring Name He Has!

This morning is a must share as my heart was elevated in praise!
I began my day by rejoicing in my LORD through quiet time with Him. 
As the sun creeped upward in the east, I began reading Psalm 111. 
I can also use it as prime example of spending time with Scriptures and colored pencils. Except for vs 1 & 10, this entire entry is highlighted in yellow - declaring the attributes of God's glory & majesty.
What an awesome journal entry on the Goodness of our God!
I noticed how the verses describe the LORD & all His wonderous deeds to His people. 

Psalm 111... verse 2 tells us that those who delight in Him will ponder, so I'll pause with ____________________________  
Starting in verse 3, let's read it aloud together:

I  

Everything He does reveals his glory & majesty. 
Look around & journal: what do you see declaring His glory & majesty? ________________
Several hours later, I see a beautiful blue sky with puffy white clouds floating above!
His righteousness never fails.
Write down a time when you recall His righteousness coming to your aid. ____________________________
He causes us to remember His wonderful works. 
Name something: ______________________________
How gracious & merciful is our LORD. 
Testify: ____________________________________
He gives food to those who fear Him
Oh! I forgot breakfast! __________________________
He always remembers His covenant. 
When did you receive His covenant (Jesus) for you & how will knowing He remembers transform your day? ______________________________________________________________________________________________
He has shown His great power to His people by giving them the lands of other nations. 
Pray for current foreign affairs right now. ___________________________________________________________
All He does is just & good, and all His commandments are trustworthy... 
Name one & describe its justice & goodness: __________________________________________________________
He has paid full ransom for His people. 2 Corinthians 5:21 comes to my mind immediately. ____________________
He has guaranteed His covenant with them forever. "I will never leave you, nor forsake you!" __________________
He sent Jesus who "paid my ransom with His own blood" & sealing me by His Holy Spirit living within! _____________________________________
                                         What a holy, awe-inspiring Name He has! 
...
The believer's conclusive action & application: (verses: 1 & 10) 
(1) Praise the LORD! 
I will thank the LORD with all my heart as I meet with His godly people. 
Preparation to meet with God's people: ____________________________________________________________
(10) Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true wisdom. All who obey His commandments will grow in wisdom. 
Your growth today: ________________________________________________________________
Praise Him forever! 
 

Color My World

You don't have to be with me very long before you realize I color my world.

I live by color. I think in color. I teach in color. I study in color. It's been that way for most of my adult life. It's my way to remember what I learned as I studied & listened. It shows me how to decipher what I need to understand and reminds me of the importance to grasp the Way the Lord prepared for me to walk. 

I have 3 priorities. Each priority is represented by a color that helps me remember God's declaration of an absolute truth about Jesus Christ, my Savior and Lord.
I found that truth in Romans 11:36. 
            "For from HIM and through HIM and to HIM are all things. 
                                    To HIM be glory forever. Amen."
Proving I believe God's purpose in Christ, I want to live that truth in all I do. This helps me daily know & evaluate my heart is not deceived by shallow living. My mentor taught me that sincerely living truthfully would be able to be seen fitting together through my choices. Living by colored priorities shows me the proof of intentional living truth. 

Spain Interview (click on this to hear an interview: Journal in Color)
While visiting Spain this past fall, I was asked to be interviewed because a friend remembered how I shared my priorities in color. There was no preparation. 
Suddenly, there were bright lights and cameras with one instruction: "Share."
I told of my love for Jesus and his Word. I shared how much I wanted others to know His love for them. Because I needed to learn to "Speak Jesus" to others, I created a colorful method to remember and learn.
In this interview, I simply talked as I flipped through examples on journal pages I held in my hand. These examples are divided by color, representing my relationships. I carry this journal easily wherever I go so I can quickly give visuals of my priorities. Most of the pages show simple charts of how I think in life, study, learn & remember passages in Scriptures. It also gives visuals for sharing Jesus both to believers for growth and unbelievers for more understanding. It opens understanding of how a believer can prove obedience to God's Word in every area of life. At a glance, the colors broadcast a priority backed by Scriptures pointing to Jesus. As I record, I hope to prove that my daily choices remain balanced even in the little things.
My journal is full of color because I organize my life by color. To know the meaning of colors, you must understand my relational priorities and understand the reasons I chose the particular color for that priority. 
 
My relationships are all about HIM.  

1. My relationship IN Christ is to bring HIM glory. 2 Corinthians 4:6-7 says, 
"For God, who said, "Let Light shine out of darkness," has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the Glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. I have this wonderful treasure in me, although, I am only a fragile human. I have been given the glory of God (Jn 17:3) I want to carry it well and let it be seen in me! Yellow is bright, shiny and reminds me of glory. I highlight in yellow everything I learn about God - His character & attributes, His love, His thoughts for me, and His will for me and this world.

2. My relationship in the Body of Christ is my second priority because when this relationship is strong, I have a good spiritual support group for encouragement and a safe place to grow in the grace and the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. This body has many members who have been given spiritual life through the blood of Jesus Christ's offering of His own life. His sacrifice of blood made it possible for Him to bring me to God. This Body is royal. (2 Peter 2:9) so I use BLUE to remind me of my membership in his Body. To encourage growth, this safe place has instructions on how to treat "each other."


3. My relationship in the Work of Christ wraps up everything else that hasn't fit into the other two priorities.    

God was in Jesus reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their sins against them. Jesus gave His life on the cross, willingly shedding His blood in sacrifice, to bring us to God. All mankind was going the wrong way - their own way (Isa 53:6). He pointed to God and said "Follow Me." Those who receive Him become His followers. Because Jesus wanted to stop everyone from the wrong way, I use RED to remember to help others Stop, turn around and look at Jesus. He is the Way, the Truth & the Life. (John 14:6)  

As the years have passed, the colorful practice grew quite by accident to portray a complete rainbow of colors. I found the reality of keeping my 3 relational priorities needed further explanations because things are not always as they should be. As in art projects, I realized simply combining the primary colors (Yellow, Blue & Red) with each other creates secondary colors (Green, Purple & Orange). These combinations helped explain to me what I was actually dealing with when confronted by mixed behaviors within relationships. 

Secondary colors can be for another post. 
But for now, taking the time focused on Christ's Glory (yellow), Christ's Body (blue) & Christ's Work (red)is a simple step in deciphering the Truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ for me.  Here's how I start:
YELLOW - no matter what I hear or read, I ask, "What is this teaching me about God & His Son, Jesus Christ?" John 17:3 says eternal life is Knowing. I highlight or write on yellow the response I've learned. 
Example: I read: "The Lord is my shepherd."  Highlight: shepherd. Response: It is the Lord who shepherds me. 
BLUE - I ask, "What does this teach me about the Body of Christ, or the assembled believers?" 
RED - I ask, "What characterizes those Christ seeks to save? These may be precious opportunities where we can share God's message of reconciliation. (2 Co5:20-21)   

The colors are found in so many fun office supplies & stickers! It's easy to carry 3 colored pencils to use as object lesson items as well as coloring. There are post-notes, labels, stickers, papers, as well as pens & markers. Any simple composition notebook or journal can be used to record what you learn along your path but make sure the weight of the paper is thick enough to hold ink or glue! Make it fun & simple.
I hope you grab yours and begin the adventure of visual colors brilliantly lighting up your ministry as an ambassador! 2 Co 5:20 
I hope these colorful explanations encourage another to consider a more intentional way to move from abstract concepts to more visual proof (2 Co 6:6) of truly living a balanced life that pleases the Lord.  

Struggling to Follow the Guiding Soft Whisper

With the pool closed for a month of coughs & a chill in the air, I've spent several quiet leisurely afternoons refreshing my memory with some personal biblical character studies. To make reviews memorable, I began to write somewhat speculative essays. Of course, these are fictional as I often read between the lines to imagine what it must have been like when their Creator entered their daily lives and culture.
I tried to envision their emotions struggling often in conflict with desired godly obedience. My thoughts penned formulated imaginary conversations between their own heart and mind as I asked the question: "What would it have been like to have your day invaded by an Invisible Voice of the known Creator commanding an action contrary to your daily activities? I wondered what it must have been like for them to walk by faith and please God long before God's beautiful message of reconciliation had been accomplished through His Son.

We don't often stop and consider that OT characters walked daily 'by faith without all the benefits we've been given through Jesus Christ. What a task they had to look forward toward the Promise! How different from mine was their relationship with the Creator! (Col 3:10Nlt)
I believe there is such hidden treasure in the richness of their faith. When simple English translations say with very few words the immense encounters these heroes experienced with the Almighty, it's hard to grasp the overwhelming struggle they may have undergone! As we read "He obeyed immediately." or "so he went"... I'm not sure we stop to think of all the common issues, thoughts, arguments, challenges, possibilities with emotions that fleeted through the mind at such commands.

Imagine what it would be like even today to hear a Voice command "Go!" and then, try to explain our actions to others! It would be hard to put into words why one was obeying a heard invisible voice. To speculate any hesitancy, doubt, fear or even the amounts of arguments one had within or with family members makes me realize how deeply their faith in the Invisible God really had developed.     

Today, many testify the difficult emotional depths of struggle conflicting with their desire to know God's will. Simple commands given God's children arouse arguments between reason & obedience. Confronted with written commands, different opinions question the reality of the command in light of culture and comfort. Contemplating this struggle today makes the ancients' walk by faith even more astounding, I can't help but wonder how hard it must have been to strive to do what is right by pleasing God without the spiritual strength I'm offered today in Christ.

In the following essay, I've considered the inner questions and longings I might have whispered in prayer, especially questioning if I had really heard and grasped God's command correctly.
If I had heard God like elderly Aaron, I think it would have been difficult to tell others I needed to leave home to wander in the wilderness looking for my lost brother of 40 years. I'm sure apprehension and fear would have choked my thoughts as I left civilization to go into unknown territory. Explaining to leaders and slave taskmasters a need for a leave of absence to follow an invisible Voice would probably have been denied and mocked. My choice may have made it more difficult for others who didn't believe or understand how one can hear audible commands from the Creator. I would have struggled to help others understand the need to take a journey into the unknown. Through the writing of this essay, I've been quite surprised at how many parallels there are today for us as we choose to be God's obedient servants and follow His voice into our wilderness.
And just we must do, these characters stepped out in faith, expecting the Creator to show them the way, often one step at a time. They struggled to obey and had to make life decisions based on faith, just as I must do today. 

A Walk with Aaron. 

His brother had been gone for 40 years; maybe he was even dead, yet the soft whisper on the wind told him to leave Egypt and journey into the wilderness to meet his brother at the Mountain of God. Given no map, he simply knew he needed to go into the wilderness to meet his younger brother. He did not dare refuse. Leaving the quarries was one difficulty he faced but getting past his family's arguments challenged his determined spirit almost to breaking. He just had to go. They finally relented as if he was just an old man who had lost his mind and was leaving the village to face death alone.

As he left civilization to wander the desolate plain, he longed to hear that Voice calling to him again. He wished for verbal directions, something tangible, something specific. He knew he was being led. He could sense it and as he trudged the rough terrain, he had an undeniable peace of heart. He trudged on.
At long last, hope was fulfilled. Far off in the distance, he saw his brother coming toward him.
Their reunion was sweeter than he could have imagined. The lost years had not destroyed their relationship and easily lapsing into conversation restored their love as they walked together again. Retelling stories of their different childhoods and the filling in missing pieces of the past forty years were shared as they returned to Egypt.
So engrossed in conversation, their steps slowed as they neared their destiny. His younger brother told him about the burning bush where the Almighty Creator had spoken on holy ground. Hearing again the lost name of their Creator, YHWH, felt sweet on his whispered breath. He was flabbergasted when told that he was to become God's spokesman, assisting his brother in leading the people of God out of Egypt and slavery. Uncertainty pushed his fears to the surface. The task seemed impossible.
He mustered new courage to speak God's instructions as his brother relayed them to him and he was overwhelmed to witness the powerful fulfillment each time he spoke. He was learning in fresh experiences that YHWH's great power came in simple gestures of obedience.
He spoke. Moses acted. Each time, God's instructions flowed through the two men in word and deed. Each command was followed by Pharaoh mocking the Almighty's power, intensifying the miracles and the attacks on Egyptian worship of false gods.
At last, the night of darkness shook and destroyed Egypt's dreams.
Every first born was dead.
Dressed and ready to flee as instructed, he thought the people of God could not be ushered out of the country any faster. 
They were free.

But this old man of past slavery would learn that newfound freedom took on a variety of challenges with required responsibilities and severe consequences. 

Marking Another Year of Faithfulness

I think it is only fair to pause as one marks another year of activities fading into vague memories as quickly as a vapor.

In this leisure moment, I'm pausing to mark, journal & thank the Lord for another year that has passed. It has been an awesome year of Florida sunshine, poolside BBQ & picnics with laughter & great conversations, new friends & visitors, travel, grandchildren's school performances & successes to cheer, and moments of teaching God's ladies while serving the Lord alongside a faith community. This pause is filled with praise to my precious LORD Jesus for the all the good He has showered on my days. 

My personal trek with the living God began over 60 years ago with the words "for you" spoken by Jesus when explaining His choice to die in my place. I received Him as my Savior and He gave me the right to be called by His Name. I love what I recently found of just what God did for me in Romans 1:5-7.
Throughout my adult life I've become more and more aware of the depths those precious "for you" words actually mean to me. To know that my Creator wants "good" for me has given me more courage than I've even imagined. My life has been so full of adventures and the solid promises of good have been the anchor of security through both storms & peace. 

I'm constantly amazed how our faithful God declares Himself present in our lives. Just recently, Don & I traveled again to Wales to visit our younger daughter's family. It's been said often by those from the UK, so I'll just agree with them.
 "Wow! It's so beautiful!"
Our Creator God did really good with the formation of those beautiful rolling hills & flowery meadows, making a perfect dwelling place for some of his lowly wooly creatures. Yes... there are sheep everywhere!!
Psalm 23 came to my mind as I watched a shepherd climb the slope to his flock. 

Each time we visit, we have wonderful times exploring the surrounding Brecon Mountains and the valley communities. On one hike, we stood on a Brecon Summit, to gaze far off into the distance. The shadows of billowy clouds darkened further hills in an array of green tones. We enjoyed our restful Teatime in the Roundabout and wandered the pastureland, marveling at God's creation covering the immense landscape & amazing cloud formations outlining the sky. 
                                                                            

One Sunday afternoon on this recent holiday trip, we drove to a very high peak. The road was narrow, muddy and curving sharply. It was very challenging whenever we met an oncoming vehicle. Each driver inched slowly as close to the hedge as possible to barely squeak past each other. There were also some tense moments when our wheels spun icy patches, struggling to grasp gravel to slow us down.   
Because the wind was sharp, cold and intense, we spent the winter afternoon exploring mostly from the car. The girls climbed out once to run & play on the lush green bluff but quickly raced back to the car, weary of fighting the gusts challenging their strength. Even dressed in several layers, I huddled in the car, trying to keep warm.
The beauty spread below the bluff was breathtaking. It was most beautiful when the sun shone on the houses clustered in the valley. The countryside was dotted with hedges, marking off roads and farms. In the distance, we could see the ancient stone castle, a fortress during many historical enemy raids.  

During those moments in creation, I found it hard to describe my inner feelings. I've almost accepted the possibility that there may be no words for such poignant feelings. A whispered hint might be that I felt like my soul encountered the closeness of my inner Anchor's Presence. Within me, I've held tightly to Him, believing securely His declarations of love explained in Scriptures. I'm persuaded my Redeemer lives. I know I live in His Presence wherever I roam, but there on the mountain top, my physical world was enveloped by His Majesty. The moments were poignant, vivid, flamboyant, yet breathtakingly peaceful.

I am so blessed. As I contemplate other days of this passing year, I realize I've encountered His Presence in so many different places. He surrounds me with good. The squeezes of little arms embracing my weariness, the smiles in friendships, a well-written text greeting, and the camaraderie found while serving our community have been just a few of the moments. 

Returning to our Florida home, our heated pool wards off the winter blues while offering leisure afternoons to float in the sun, relaxed by listening to the broadcasting songs, hymns & spiritual songs. These have been times of inner refreshing as well as more quiet hours to read & study Scriptures while basking in the sunshine!
I also find great enjoyment comparing my treasure hunts with what others have excavated in their studies! How blessed we are to have the technology to hear several weekly sermons, take classes online, hear pods, or read other posts sharing individual studies! All of these have brought such joy and remind us daily that we live in His Presence. 
So, life continues to move on with so much promise of adventures in the Presence of our Living God. 

I pray for my family and friends to be very aware of where the Living God is making His appeal through his representatives and the marvelous gift of God's kindness. (2 Corinthians 5:17- 6:1). 
May each of us gratefully join Him in the message of reconciliation as we practice His Presence daily through 2026. 

Peace in Flight

 

As I settled in my seat for the transatlantic journey, I mumbled how long the flight might seem if the three-year-old girl's uncontrolled screaming continued. Whatever the little one wanted was being denied as both parents and grandmother tried to restrain her flailing limbs with a seatbelt. Failure to ignore the situation was obvious as each passenger squirmed uncomfortably in their tightened seatbelts. Some gently offered assistance and others held bribes of treats, but as the official announcement ordered the "prepare for take-off", all shrugged off to their assigned areas, leaving the parents to wrestle the uncontrolled and very loud protests. 

My inner frustration turned toward heaven as I prayed for peace. I prayed for the noise to stop. I grumbled my own prayer-filled words, selfishly begging for peace and comfort. My praying was no different than the little child's tantrum. Directed at heaven, my secret whispering actually spoke loudly in protest for what I wanted & thought I needed. I was whining for my own soothing and comfort!
An author, AW TOZER, wrote: "Don't allow yourself to become satisfied with shallow, self-centered praying. STAY with God in prayer until He leads you to pray at the level He wants." 
My practice of prayer needed a change! I asked the Lord to change my heart to stay with Him, learn His ways, be more like Him and want His desires. 

Earlier in the month, a friend had asked, "What makes a person holy?" Most believers know that God has told us to "be holy as He is holy"; but we don't often ask how one keeps being holy. I took this question frequently into my studies, desiring God's definition to keep His children holy so they could serve Him, the Living God.

Scriptures declare believers are God's holy people, His saints, His treasured children.

  The Holy Spirit "set apart" those God had called; (1 Peter 1:1).
    In 2 Co 1:12, there's the possibility to live in God-given holiness with a clear conscience.
    In Ephesians 1:4, God chose for us to be holy & without fault IN Christ.
    Colossians 1:2 defines God's holy people as "those who are faithful brothers & sisters in Christ." and in 1:13 says, "HE has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of His dear Son who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins." One of my favorite verses explains the results of reconciliation. Col 1:22 says, "HE has reconciled you to Himself... and brought you INTO HIS OWN PRESENCE and you are holy and blameless AS you stand before Him without a single fault."  
    The author of Hebrews explains that holiness is found only in Christ's sacrifice for the forgiveness of sin.
Almost every NT book declares God's holy people, but for many, the "how" question lingers.
Is there something one does to stay holy in spite of daily activities?
How does holiness react to the interruption and discomfort of a noisy flight?
I know who I am in Christ, but in that flight, it was practicing a recent memory verse that taught me that holiness is marked by God's Presence. His Presence sets me apart.  
 

Moses was in dialog with God immediately following dealing with angry Israelites. He begged the Lord to continue to look favorably on them. He prayed, "Let me know your ways so that I may understand you more fully." His constant longing was to enjoy God's favor.
In Exodus 33:16, Moses voiced his new understanding: "For YOUR PRESENCE sets me & your people apart from all other people on the earth." (NLT)

As I know my God's ways, His promises become more defined and confident in my daily practices. He promised never to leave me nor forsake me. Knowing I am in His Presence, I practice living the reality of being set apart from all other people on the earth. My attitude and solutions to difficult moments become different. This is the difference we need to know.
His Presence makes me different.
As I grasp this truth, I imitate Him and want His desires to be my desires.

The noisy flight continued, but my prayers changed. I thanked God for His Presence & asked for His desires to become mine. I envisioned my Lord with me and began to ask His Presence to gently place His hand on the little one. I knew His Presence could soothe her. His touch could give her peace. I prayed His Peace for her parents and grandmother.

Then, my prayers enlarged. I asked His precious Presence, who offered His own life in sacrifice, to give them eternal life.
He could give them eternal peace. I began to pray for a family to have opportunities to hear the Gospel, to receive His mercy, and know His grace.
I prayed for each one to become children of righteousness who lived in His Presence. 

I stayed with God. The joy of praying for others on God's level filled my mind.
I lost track of time as I envisioned their salvation. I thanked the Lord for the privilege to pray God's will for them. As these thoughts thrilled my heart, I became aware that the plane had become peacefully quiet. 

I smiled. I believed the temporary peace was an answer for His future grace in this precious family. I understood His Presence set me and His people apart from all people on the earth SO THAT we could partner with His Son (1 CO 1:9) in the message of reconciliation.
Our message begins in prayer, asking His Presence to call out from us His Son's plea. His appeal to "Come back to God!" begins with our prayer for hearts to be opened. 

1 Corinthians 1:9 "God will do this, for He is faithful to do what he says, and He has invited you into partnership with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord." NLT

COLORS SPEAK

 

Recently, I visited a BOOK FESTIVAL site where attempts to share the Gospel welcomed strangers into a WALKING EXPERIENCE using the colors depicted in the Wordless Book. Each room’s message used a Scriptural principle to describe the LIFE choices one makes and used meaningful COLORS to help the participants understand the choices that had been made.

 

Those who invited each participant to enter the tent gave them a sample craft with folding instructions to make their own wordless book. On the reverse side of the instructions, there were Bible verses for each color they would experience inside the tent. They were asked to observe all the items in each room through the spectrum of the room's choice colored light. At the end of their walking experience through the tent, there would be Survey Questions to help them recall what they had seen & an explanation of the Bible verses on the handout. 

Very interested, I sat nearby to watch.
The WALKING EXPERIENCE attracted many as friendly greeters conversed with those passing by, asking them if they would like to make a craft, have their young children’s faces painted by a visiting artist, or browse a table of free books. The tent entrance was large & inviting.

From my perch, I could see punching bags hanging from the ceiling in a BLACK Room.

My attention was drawn to a very young boy, tethered by a child protection leash. He attempted to enter the tent experience alone while his mother stood outside the entrance, distracted by tables of reading materials and culturally courteous in conversations. The pretentious freedom gave the little boy the ability to wander safely into the dark world of the black room, yet still be within view. Unconscious of danger, he was caught unaware by the wildly swinging punching bags. His small frame was buffeted from side to side. He staggered unsteadily as he pushed his way deeper into the room. Other children raced by him, wildly pushing the bags aside, knocking the little boy completely down. His stretched leash hindered his attempts to catch up to the others, but he was determined. He pushed & prodded, was knocked around, fell often, but continually, lifted himself up to try again.
He made very little progress.
I glanced over to the mom and noticed an older brother had caught up to his family.  He gazed inside the entrance and watched his little brother’s struggle, his determination, & the inevitable defeat. While his parent continued to talk, the old boy approached & unleashed the small lad & lifted him into his arms, shielding him from the buffeting bags. Together they walked deeper into the dark room.

I realized I had just envisioned a true picture of salvation.
I was born into this dark world with all its fearsome buffeting & hindering bags. Because of God’s great mercy, I was given parental tethering to protect my wanderings & help me find my way through life’s scary maze. As good as my parents were, they were often distracted by work, tradition, neighbors & many obligations. Often, even their own weaknesses hindered their protection.
Stretching my parental tethering, I began pushing my way into the darkness, following & imaging others who had raced ahead, buffeting me with many unavoidable bags hidden in the dark. Recalling my fears, I’m forever thankful for the tethering that blocked deeper progress into that darkness! I remember how quickly I grew weary as I was pushed, shoved, or was blocked & hindered by my own weak smallness to reach what I thought I wanted.
I made very little progress.

In mercy, God sent His Son, like a pure big brother in human flesh to rescue me. He knew my weaknesses, my ignorance, and He gave himself to feel all those distractions, the suffering & buffeting I had begun to experience. God’s beautiful Son reached down, answered parental prayers by drawing me into his own arms. Even in his powerful strength, my age required facing deeper steps into the darkness, but there were little hints constantly showing I was not alone. He held me tightly as each step took me further from safety, and memorized Scriptures assured a security of being held in his powerful arms as he pushed away the schemes of our enemy.
One day, He carried me into the RED ROOM where I personally heard the good news that God offered the dark world through His Son whom He had sent. This Son had suffered, been buffeted, freely bled & died on a cross, removing the darkness of the record of wrong done to a Holy God. I heard & understood that His precious sacrifice in that darkness was done “for me”.
I looked & saw the cross.

The Good News told me He had defeated my enemy in resurrected power & authority. Now, by His precious blood, I am cleansed & made holy so He can bring me Home. In overwhelming gratitude, I placed my own small hand in his wounded palm, thanking His patient love for all He has done for me. 

Ephesians 2:8,9 "For by GRACE you have been saved through FAITH. And this is not your own doing; it is the GIFT of GOD, not the result of works, so that no one may boast. WE are His workmanship, created IN Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

Our WALK progress to date has been the precious time spent in the BLUE & WHITE ROOM of living in His Royal Presence. He is teaching me through Scriptures to trust His leadership to keep my heart spotless and pure as one of His royal daughters. 
Together, we are cultivating a beautiful garden of living within my heart's GREEN ROOM. Through experiences and fellowship of other believers, through books, classes, sermons and study, His Constant Presence is growing His Likeness within me.

He is faithfully guiding me to finish this walk experience together. I am so secure in His forever promise to never forsake me. I’ve only read about the GOLDEN ROOM, but it is my HOPE & joy to see it in all its glory when we arrive Home.

Throughout my journey with Him, I’m persuaded and know with certainty that God’s Son, Jesus Christ, is my ever-present living REDEEMER.
His Presence has given me the security of knowing that I am right where I’ve always belonged.  

In Romans 1:5 NLT, we read "Through CHRIST, God has given us the privilege & authority as sent ones to TELL everyone everywhere what GOD HAS DONE FOR THEM, so that they will believe and obey Him, bringing glory to His Name." 

I truthfully hope that each one reading this recent memory of COLORS SPEAK will use the opportunity to share this good news with others. Let the COLORS tell what GOD HAS DONE FOR THEM. 
The following verses (6-7 NLT) give us what to tell them: 
YOU ARE INCLUDED in God's plan. 
YOU HAVE BEEN CALLED TO BELONG TO JESUS CHRIST.
YOU ARE LOVED BY GOD. 
YOU ARE CALLED TO BE HIS OWN HOLY PEOPLE.
"May God our Father and the LORD Jesus Christ give you GRACE & PEACE.